General Kinematics President Tom Musschoot explained, “The expansion of our North American manufacturing facility has been needed for a while. We can handle some of our larger products, such as STM-SERIES® Two-Mass mining screens, FINGER-SCREEN™ recycling screens, and large rotary and vibratory drums for foundry applications. It will further expand our capabilities for our Tuffman and GK Systems brands.”
Jim Egan, Vice President of North American Sales, added, “With customer demand for larger, heavier, and more complex units, we identified a significant need for more space and increased capabilities. To stay competitive, we must invest in the right technology to make us as efficient as possible. “ He continued, “We see multiple positive outcomes from this investment. Our customers know we are committed to solving their production challenges and our employees see the investment as a commitment to providing them with the best equipment to complete the job safely and efficiently.”
Plans for the addition include high bay ceilings, which will allow the installation of cranes with 80-ton lifting capacity. The new area will also provide space for further capital equipment purchases and increased material storage.
Chief Financial Officer John Koufis details, “The facility expansion validates the strategic investment in our people and process during the pandemic-impacted years of 2020 & 2021. The addition to the manufacturing facility, and the resultant forthcoming new jobs, significantly increases our production capacity and improves the overall flow of our production processes. This will enable us to meet the rapidly growing demand for our products to serve our customers better worldwide.”
The company plans to hire 15 new employees to support the increased throughput. Construction is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.